A federal judge has ruled the Trump administration's restrictive Pentagon press access policy, which threatens journalists with being labelled security risks if they seek information not authorized for public release. The New York Times had sued the Defense Department alleging that policy changes by the department gave it free rein to freeze out reporters and news outlets over criticism of their coverage. The government disputed this, arguing that the policy is necessary for national security. Judge Paul Friedman ruled that while protecting troops and war plans, the public's access to information is essential in light of President Donald Trump's recent "incursion" into Venezuela and Iran, the ruling enforces constitutionally protected rights for the free press. The Times claimed that the Pentagon's new press corps was comprised of pro-Trump outlets and media personalities.